The Frenchman dreams big: "With the M1 I know I have the right confidence", Syahrin: "The work done with the team was encouraging"

He didn’t hold back even during the pre-season, to the point that he outdid the two factory riders. Johann Zarco is turning up at the opening round in Qatar with great confidence and a desire to be a protagonist astride his M1. His future is still enigmatic, but the Frenchman’s mind is focused exclusively on the first round in Losail: “I am very happy to begin the new year – the Tech3 rider commented – In the last test I was able to do the best time and that created some high expectations within the team.”

One thing is certain – the Yamaha rider runs a genuine risk of being the loose cannon in the top end of the category: “We know that there is still much to do in order to battle for the win – he admitted –but at the same time, I am beginning this weekend with the desire to aim for the win. With the M1 I have the right sensations and I want to keep having fun.”

Meanwhile, on the other side of the garage Syahrin is approaching his début in the MotoGP World Championship. He is the first Malaysian in history to race in the premier class: “I am ready for this new challenge and I feel like I am at 100% – the Asian rider stated – In fact, I can’t wait for the first free practice session so I can get out on the track and open up the throttle.”

The Tech3 rider is very conscious of what his qualities are: “The work done over the past month has been encouraging – he pointed out – so I hope to reap the fruits of what has been sown, putting in a positive performance over the weekend.”